Our Products and the meaning of the words ‘Compostable’ and ‘Biodegradable’
Our key products are various types of disposable food packaging designed for individual meals in the eating-in and takeaway formats. Our disposable tableware products, such as meal trays, glasses, bowls and containers with and without lids, are made from bagasse, the dry pulpy residue left after the extraction of juice from sugar cane.
The main advantage of bagasse disposable tableware and containers is that they are eco-friendly as opposed to currently available styrofoam or plastic moulded products. They are Biodegradable and Compostable.
‘Biodegradable’ means that our products are capable of being decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms and thereby avoiding pollution.
‘Compostable’ materials are like biodegradable materials, as they are both intended to return to the earth safely. However, compostable materials go one step further by providing the earth with nutrients once the material has completely broken down. Compostable food packaging is made, disposed of and breaks down in a manner that is kinder to the environment than plastic. It is made from plant-based, recycled materials and can return to earth quickly and safely as soil when disposed of in the right environmental conditions.
The major benefits to the environment are that:
- Compostable packaging requires less carbon to produce,
- Reduces the amount of waste sent to landfill, and,
- Provides the earth with life-promoting nutrients.
Within disposable food packaging, we specialise in producing containers and glasses with greater height as there is less competition for such deep items. These products are difficult to manufacture from a technical standpoint as compared to meal trays and plates, which are flatter.
Advantages of Bagasse Pulp Products over Plastic Products:
| Concern | Bagasse Pulp Tableware & Products | EPS Tableware & Products |
|---|---|---|
| Effect on the Environment | Compostable and Biodegradable | Remains in landfill forever |
| Effect on Health | Completely safe | Lead to ingestion of microplastics |
| Molded Pulp Cost | Less than EPS | Costs rising due to oil and gas price increases |
| Cushioning | Deflects, dissipates & reduces shock | Reduces shock |
| Price Fluctuation | Minimal: not linked to corrugated, gas, oil or resin prices | Prices rise dramatically with gas, oil and resin price fluctuations |
| Storage/ Freight | Nests and stacks, saving 50% to 75% warehouse space and freight costs | Does not nest, increasing warehouse and freight costs |
| Vibration Protection | Dampens vibration up to 3 times more effectively than EPS | Attenuates vibration, causing potential damage to components |
| Durability | Does not break apart | Breaks and flakes apart easily |
| Flexibility | Geometry of ribs allows for compression and rebound | Temperature affects flexibility |
| Static | Naturally static free and static neutral | Creates static electricity, dust adhesion |
We hope that it is now clear that what ‘biodegradable’ and ‘compostable’ actually means. It is our responsibility to increase awareness about eco-friendly products and protect mother Nature. There are many products in the market that are touted to be biodegradable and compostable but are actually not. Stay tuned-in and learn more about adopting a environment-conscious lifestyle with Yupp. Say YES to Eco-Friendly!
